were there races, but-much to my surprise
-there was organized betting.
Itookaseatonabenchamidacrowdof
intent racing fans, each studying the list of
horses for the next race with unmistakable
zeal for capital gain.
Nexttomesata
friendly-looking old gentleman with a white
mustache, riding pants, and leather boots.
"The purpose of the races isn't to promote
gambling," he explained, "but to train, test,
and develop better breeds of horses."
"But why does the Government need fast
horses except for racing?" I asked. "You don't
hitch a race horse to a plow."
When Russians go to the fair, smiles of an
ticipation light their faces. Scores of sprawl
ing pavilions house Moscow's vast exposition
(page 362). Though not for sale, these gay
fabrics are a promise of tomorrow. The Krem
lin, after decades of stressing heavy industry
at the expense of consumer goods, last year
called for expanded synthetic-textile produc
tion. Present-day prices are cruelly high: a
rayon dress may cost $50, a man's suit of good
quality up to $200.
Stocking mill in Tbilisi, Georgian S.S.R..
helps to satisfy the great thirst for more and
better clothing. This mill, run by a woman,
has earned numerous production awards.
ERICH LESSING
367